Select Local Merchants

16: how many hours it takes to set up The Greatest Show On Earth
10: how many hours it takes to tear it down
2,500: average pounds of popcorn consumed in between
85: the number of animals, which include Asian elephants, tigers, lions, leopards, and llamas; all receive superlative animal care
61: the number of cars in the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus train that carries the show from city to city; that?s more than a mile long
20,000: the number of miles that train will cover in one year
3: the miles the train master walks each day as he tends to the animals (all seated at the front of the train for the smoothest ride) and gives them regular water and exercise stops

The Big Toast, a Great Gatsby-themed benefit for Big Brothers Big Sisters of The Ocean State, blends the decadence of the roaring 20s with the philanthropic spirit of the modern age. Partygoers are invited to dress in flapper dresses and fedoras (or business casual). They can also sample their fill of fine wines, craft beers, and quality liquors, celebrating just like the Prohibition-Era speakeasy dwellers did.
The evening's entertainment takes place at the Linden Place Museum. Throughout its storied history, the well-maintained mansion has entertained four presidents, generations of socialites, and famous performers such as Ethel Barrymore Colt. Appropriately enough, it even served as a set for the 1974 film adaptation of the The Great Gatsby.

Since 1993, Cirque Dreams' family-friendly variety extravaganzas have called upon a cast of acrobats, strongmen, and daredevils to wring the oohs and aahs out of audiences with tremendous feats of derring-do. During each themed production, more than 100 performers garbed in dazzling outfits twirl high in the air, contort their bodies into impossible shapes, and solve long division problems to earn uproarious applause from the crowd. At Dream Studios in Pompano Beach, Florida, hundreds of contracted artists from around the world develop their skills and prep for Cirque Dreams performances under the direction of Neil Goldberg and his team of choreographers, contortionists, and designers.

Barcrawls.com and joonbug.com team up to throw themed parties at locations from New York to Los Angeles. Events are typically held at hip nightlife spots such as clubs, lounges, and restaurants. Each year's get-togethers typically include parties for holidays—including Thanksgiving Eve—and viewing parties for baseball's beloved home-run derby as well as the sport's lesser-known "Is It a Balk?" contest.

Ocean Fitness in Providence makes working out just a little bit more enjoyable.
Pick up a tasty meal at their restaurant, located conveniently within the gym.
At Ocean Fitness, you can learn quick and effective kickboxing techniques that will tone and enhance your body.
Parking is plentiful, so visitors can feel free to bring their vehicles.

Challenge yourself at Providence's Iyengar Yoga Source, a great spot for beginners and advanced students alike.
Head on over to the in-house restaurant for a delectable meal.
Parking is plentiful, so patrons can feel free to bring their vehicles.

Groupon Guide

Whether you’re building strength during a workout at Harvard Stadium or gawking at preserved muscles at the Body Worlds exhibit, it’s a big week for the human physique. This week also brings Boston’s biggest music fest and a major cultural festival in Cambridge, plus a comic hypnotist whose show is currently featured in a Groupon deal. As always, you can check Groupon for more ideas for things to do in Boston.
Boston Calling
Downtown | September 5–7
The city’s highest profile music festival returns less than four months after its last installment, this time with an even bigger lineup: The National, Lorde, and Nas x The Roots headline each respective night, with Spoon, The Hold Steady, Neutral Milk Hotel, and a dozen others also performing. (City Hall Plaza; $75–$175; buy tickets here)
Cambridge Carnival International
Cambridge | Sunday, September 7
Billed as the largest festival in Cambridge, this celebration of Afro-Caribbean cultures includes everything from creole cuisine to calypso and salsa concerts. But the highlight is the grand costume parade, in which colorful masqueraders and musicians stroll past Central Square. (Kendall Square; free)
The November Project's Stadium Workout
Allston | Every Wednesday
Find it easier to stay motivated when you work out with other people? Then why not surround yourself with a stadium full of them? Of course, the stadium isn’t exactly “full”—you should have plenty of room to climb the concrete-block seats during one of four pre-designed workouts. (65 N. Harvard St.; free)
Comic Hypnotist Frank Santos, Jr.
Theater District | Friday, September 12
We’d tell you to be careful what you say around Frank Santos, Jr., but it wouldn’t help. His entire act consists of hypnotizing audiences into doing and saying things they normally wouldn’t, mostly of the R-rated variety. (Wilbur Theatre, 246 Tremont St.; $15.50 on GrouponLive; buy tickets here)
Body Worlds
Downtown | Through September 14
Time’s running out to catch the Faneuil Hall Marketplace hit, which displays authentic human bodies that have been preserved through a process called plastination. The bodies offer rare insight into the complexities of human anatomy, especially since they’re arranged in poses that show off different organs and muscle groups. (Quincy Market, 4 S. Market St.; $15.50–$22.50; buy tickets here)

This week’s lineup of activities will help you embrace your inner child. Play games in the park, build intricate Lego creations, and see a Shel Silverstein play. A donut party and dog-friendly city tour help round out the week. As always, check Groupon first for more things to do in Boston.
The Lawn on D Grand Opening
Fort Point | Saturday, August 16, noon to 11 p.m.
After four months of speedy construction, the “experimental” park next to the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center will make its debut with a full day of live music and games. A few highlights: a bocce ball court, an outdoor bar, and food trucks galore. (420 D St.; free)
Dog-Friendly Walking Tour of Beacon Hill
Beacon Hill | Saturday, August 16, 10 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Luxury pet hotel The Urban Hound joins forces with Boston by Foot for a walking tour designed for canines and their caretakers. As pups sniff out the oldest fire hydrants in Louisburg Square, owners check out the elegant, historic homes. The tour ends at a dog park where pup-friendly frozen yogurt awaits. (State House, 24 Beacon St.; $8–$12; buy tickets here)
Janky Donuts Pop-Up at Tavern Road
Waterfront | Tuesday, August 19, 6 p.m.– 10 p.m.
If you’re still miffed that this summer’s grand opening of Janky Donuts revealed that the shop is actually an art gallery, not a gourmet bakery, then you’re in luck. Tavern Road is teaming up with the !nd!v!duals art collective to make good on its promise of delicious donuts—with some beer and wine thrown in for good measure. ( 343 Congress St.; free with RSVP)
Adult Night at Legoland Discovery Center
Somerville | Wednesday, August 20, 7 p.m.– 9 p.m.
Mingle with fellow block builders during this 18-and-older event at the new Legoland Discovery Center in Assembly Row. The adventure-themed evening will center on Lego collections such as Indiana Jones, featuring contents, games, and prizes. (598 Assembly Row, Somerville; $22.50; buy tickets here)
SilverSpoons: An Evening of Shel Silverstein
Dedham | Wednesday, August 20– Saturday, August 23, 8:30 p.m.–10 p.m.
CoffeeSpoons Theatre, a small collective focused on staging plays in more casual settings, will be bringing long-overlooked works of Shel Silverstein to life at Paradise Cafe. Savor fresh sandwiches, pastries, wine, and beer as you take in three one-act comedies that show another side of everyone’s favorite children’s poet. ( 565 High St., Dedham; free)
Lawn on D photo via Sasaki Associates; Janky Donuts photo from Facebook; Legoland picture by Sarah McManus

This week’s event lineup caters to the body, mind, and soul. Treat your corporeal form to tastings of beer, wine, and gourmet food, your brain to a comedic discussion with a rapping scientist, and your inner essence to a focused doodling session and a romp with your pup at Somerville’s Riverfront Park. And as always, check Groupon for more great things to do in Boston.
Red, White, & Brew Summerfest
South End | Saturday, August 2, noon to 10 p.m.
Raise your glass at an interactive wine- and beer-tasting event that showcases beverages from across the United States. In between sips, attendees can participate in a silent auction benefiting Project Smile and the Ellie Fund. (Cyclorama at the Boston Center for the Arts, 539 Tremont St.; $59, but you can save $24 with this Groupon)
Petpalooza
Somerville | Saturday, August 2–Sunday, August 3, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Organized by som|dog, the second annual pooch fest allows dog owners and their leashed friends to mingle and try their paws at dog fitness or dock diving. Of-age humans can also sample beer from Slumbrew. (Riverfront Park, 300 Grand Union Blvd., Somerville; free)
Neighborhood Cooking Tour of the Parkway
Roslindale | Monday, August 4, 6:15 p.m.–8 p.m.
The Chefs’ Table Series TV show kicks off its celebration of the top Parkway restaurants with a special cooking demonstration and lavish meal from Manuel Sifnugel, chef-owner of Masona Grill. (Sons of Italy Hall, 30 Birch St.; $25; contact Carol at 617-323-0670)
You’re the Expert Live Taping
Cambridge | Tuesday, August 5, 7 p.m.
Laughs and deep questions coincide in the You’re the Expert radio show and podcast, where three comedians grill a leader in an advanced scientific field. This live taping showcases the wisdom of Jonathan Garlick, a top stem-cell researcher who is also a rapper. (Oberon Theater, 2 Arrow St., Cambridge; $15; buy tickets here)
Zentangle Drawing Class
Arlington | Thursday, August 7, 6:30 p.m.–8 p.m
Zentangle drawings take the random energy of doodling and channel it into stunning patterned images. Certified Zentangle teacher Patricia Carney leads classes for kids, teens, and adults, unleashing inner creativity during the relaxing sessions. (Artbeat, 212A Massachusetts Ave., Arlington; $25+; call 781-646-2200 to reserve a seat)
You're the Expert photo courtesy of the radio show; Zentangle photo from Persephone Pomegranate (Flickr)